Halloween looks like a vampire vs. zombie showdown

It's a neck-and-neck race for who gets the upper hand in party costumes this year, as both creatures have grabbed a share of the pop culture zeitgeist.

Halloween is just a day away, but the holiday's spook-tastic events have already begun. And this year, more than ever before, the battle royal to be the holiday's MVP is brewing between zombies and vampires -- whether in pop culture or at celebrations throughout Southern California.

Both creatures have taken turns neck-sucking and brain-munching their way up the social hierarchy among monsters. For the last few years, our fang-toothed friends have been the "It" monster. "Twilight" reigns supreme; "True Blood" is a hit on HBO; and "Vampire Diaries" has sunk its fangs in the TV lineup. Heck, even horror novelist Stephen King has jumped on the bandwagon in helping to pen a vampire comic book for Vertigo.

But flesh-hungry zombies are just as popular. Woody Harrelson is starring in the zom-com "Zombieland." Diablo Cody is producing a film called "Breathers: A Zombie's Lament." Marc Forster is filming Max Brooks' zombie-inspired novel "World War Z."

Stirred by the pale folks on "True Blood," El Bar in Hollywood is hosting "Fangbanger's Ball," with a vampire costume party and $5 martinis. In Long Beach, the Queen Mary is hosting its annual "Halloween Shipwreck," which features a Vampire Village. And F.W. Murnau's classic vampire film "Nosferatu" will screen at two venues: at Disney Hall, with accompaniment by Clark Wilson's pipe organ, and at the Downtown Independent theater, in an event called "Noise-feratu" featuring a live score by acts with such intriguing names as KILLKILLKILL, WMX and Organ Music.

If the living dead are more your style, consider attending the official "Thriller" Halloween party at Dakota Live Music in Santa Monica. Or zombies with an affinity for running can take part in the Zombiethon in Silver Lake.

There are plenty of other events; just check out the list below or go to latimes.com/halloweenlist.